Framingham Veteran Services

Framingham Veteran Services This is the official page for the City of Framingham Veterans Department and the 7-member Veterans Council.

It is maintained by the City's Social Media Manager who is the Public Information Officer for the City. We expect conversations to follow the rules of polite discourse and we ask that participants treat each other, as well as our employees, with respect. Comments may be monitored and may be subject to removal based on, but not limited to, the following qualities: comments featuring profanity and v

ulgar or abusive language; sexually harassing content; obscene content; threats of physical or bodily harm; discriminatory language on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, marital status, or religion; and content of a commercial nature. Comments straying from the designated topic may also be subject to removal.

09/11/2026

This morning, the City of Framingham gathered at the September 11th Living Memorial at Cushing Memorial Park to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives.

Among those remembered are 17 individuals with ties to Framingham who never returned to their families.

Framingham Police Chief Lester Baker and Framingham Fire Chief Michael Dutcher read the names of those honored on the City's memorial:

• Neilie Heffernan Casey
• Barbara Keating
• Linda George
• Lisa Fenn Gordenstein
• Meta Fuller Waller
• Laura Lee Morabito
• Tara Shea Creamer
• Charlie Murphy
• Paige Farley Hackel
• Judith Larocque
• Todd Hill
• Christine Barbuto
• Susan Mackay
• Herbert W. Homer
• John J. Wenkus
• Robin Kaplan
• Darin H. Pontell

Twenty-five years later, we remember their lives, their families, and the lasting impact of September 11.

We will never forget.



Video by City of Framingham Public Information Officer Susan Scully Petroni.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, in accordance with United States Public Law 107-89, has ordered that the United Sta...
09/10/2026

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, in accordance with United States Public Law 107-89, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings on Friday, September 11, 2026, in observance of Patriot Day, in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed. The United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset.

This gubernatorial order applies to:

1. The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls

2. Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings

3. All state military installations

09/10/2026

On Thursday, September 10 at 4 p.m., volunteers will place 3,000 flags at Cushing Memorial Park.

Thanks to all of those who signed up to volunteer.

If you still would like to volunteer please email [email protected]

The City of Framingham will hold a 25th anniversary ceremony for 9/11 on Friday at Cushing Memorial Park starting at 10:30 a.m.

Photo from the 20th anniversary.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 31, 2026For further information, contact:Susan Scully PetroniCity of Framingham Public Inf...
09/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 31, 2026

For further information, contact:

Susan Scully Petroni

City of Framingham Public Information Officer

[email protected]

508-782-8629

City of Framingham to Hold 25th Anniversary September 11th Remembrance Ceremony and Vigil

FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham will hold a September 11th Remembrance Ceremony and Vigil on Friday, September 11, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks and honoring the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, including 17 people with ties to Framingham.

The remembrance will take place at the September 11th Living Memorial at Cushing Memorial Park on Dudley Road.

The City invites residents and members of the community to join together in remembrance and reflection.

Framingham Remembers

The City's Living Memorial honors the following 17 people with Framingham ties who lost their lives on September 11, 2001:

Neilie Heffernan Casey
Barbara Keating
Linda George
Lisa Fenn Gordenstein
Meta Fuller Waller
Laura Lee Morabito
Tara Shea Creamer
Charlie Murphy
Paige Farley Hackel
Judith Larocque
Todd Hill
Christine Barbuto
Susan Mackay
Herbert W. Homer
John J. Wenkus
Robin Kaplan
Darin H. Pontell
Nearly 3,000 American flags will be placed on the lawn at Cushing Memorial Park to represent each person who lost their life in the September 11 attacks.

Silent Vigil Begins at 7:58 a.m.

The silent vigil will begin at 7:58 a.m., marking the approximate time American Airlines Flight 11 departed from Boston Logan International Airport on September 11, 2001.

The vigil will continue throughout the morning, with tribute times corresponding to the significant events of September 11, including the crashes of the four hijacked aircraft.

Remembrance Ceremony at 10:30 a.m.

The formal September 11th Remembrance Ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. and is expected to last approximately 40 minutes.

The ceremony will include:

Welcome and Introductions by Mayor Charlie Sisitsky
Reflections on September 11, 2001 by Framingham Police Chief Lester Baker
Reflections from September 11, 2001 to the Present Day by Framingham Fire Chief Michael Dutcher
A Description of the Living Memorial Grounds by City Council Chair George King
Reading of the Memorial by Chief Baker and Chief Dutcher
Prayer Offering by Chaplain Robert Anspach
Flag Ceremony by the Framingham Police Department Honor Guard and Framingham Fire Department Color Guard
A performance of “Amazing Grace” by Framingham Firefighter Joe Mazzola on bagpipes
“Taps” performed by Framingham Police Officer Tim Mangano
Concluding Remarks and the singing of “God Bless America” led by Mayor Sisitsky
Community Volunteers Needed

The City is seeking volunteers to help place nearly 3,000 American flags on the Cushing Memorial Park lawn on Thursday, September 10, at 4 p.m.

Community members interested in volunteering are asked to contact Framingham Public Information Officer Susan Petroni at [email protected].

Ceremony to Remain Outdoors in Most Weather Conditions

As a change from previous years, the remembrance ceremony will be held outdoors in the event of light rain, mist, or generally unpleasant weather.

The City will move the ceremony indoors only if there is heavy rain or another condition that makes it unsafe to remain outside. Any change in location will be communicated by the City through its official communication channels.

The City encourages attendees to dress appropriately for the weather and to plan accordingly.

Event Information

September 11th Remembrance Ceremony and Vigil
Friday, September 11, 2026
September 11th Living Memorial
Cushing Memorial Park, Dudley Road, Framingham

Silent Vigil: 7:58 a.m.
Formal Remembrance Ceremony: 10:30 a.m.
Ceremony Length: Approximately 40 minutes

Flag Placement: Thursday, September 10, at 4 p.m.

The City of Framingham invites residents, families, veterans, first responders, community organizations, and all members of the public to attend this solemn memorial. Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, the City will come together to remember those who were lost, honor their lives and legacies, and reflect on the enduring impact of that day.

Stay Informed

Residents are encouraged to follow official City communication channels for updates:

City website: www.framinghamma.gov
City social media channels, including Facebook, X, and Instagram
The City's Sunday newsletter:
Sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/bFVxFV3

NotifyMe alert system for text and/or email alerts:
Sign up here: https://framinghamma.gov/list.aspx

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- September 5, 1774252 years ago today, the First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, bringing together del...
09/05/2026

- September 5, 1774

252 years ago today, the First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, bringing together delegates from 12 of the 13 American colonies.

The Congress met in response to the Intolerable Acts, a series of laws passed by Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party and designed to punish Massachusetts.

Among the 56 delegates were some of the most influential leaders of the American Revolution, including John and Samuel Adams of Massachusetts, George Washington and Patrick Henry of Virginia.

The delegates faced an important question: How should the colonies respond to British policies while avoiding further conflict?

Their compromise led to the Continental Association, which established a boycott of British goods and created local committees to enforce it. The Congress also adopted a Declaration of Rights and Grievances, asserting that the colonies had rights that Parliament could not violate without their consent.

The First Continental Congress did not call for independence. That moment would come nearly two years later.

Instead, the Congress established something that would prove essential: a foundation for cooperation among the colonies.

When fighting broke out at Lexington and Concord in April 1775, the relationships and political structures developed during the First Continental Congress helped the colonies respond collectively.

🇺🇸 Today, we remember September 5, 1774, as an important step toward the creation of the United States and the struggle for American independence.

📅 Post Your Event on the City of Framingham calendar.Have an upcoming community event, meeting, program, or activity to ...
09/05/2026

📅 Post Your Event on the City of Framingham calendar.

Have an upcoming community event, meeting, program, or activity to share? You can submit it to the City of Framingham’s online calendar.

Posting your event on the City calendar helps residents find out what’s happening in our community and plan ahead.

Submit your event here:
https://framinghamma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=14

Image description: The graphic has a mauve background with colorful stars and an illustration of a calendar. Large black text reads, “POST YOUR EVENT ON OUR CALENDAR.” The City of Framingham seal appears in the lower-left corner. The City calendar webpage address is displayed along the bottom of the graphic.

The Framingham Veterans office in the Memorial Building will close today at 12:30 p.m. and re-open on Tuesday, September...
09/04/2026

The Framingham Veterans office in the Memorial Building will close today at 12:30 p.m. and re-open on Tuesday, September 8 at 8:30 a.m.

Municipal offices will be closed on Monday, September 7 to observe Labor Day.

: September 3, 1783On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the American Revolutionary W...
09/03/2026

: September 3, 1783

On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the American Revolutionary War and recognizing the independence of the United States.

After eight years of war, the treaty marked a remarkable diplomatic victory for the new nation. American negotiators Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay secured terms that went well beyond what many had expected.

Great Britain formally recognized American independence and agreed to borders extending west to the Mississippi River, north to the Great Lakes, and south to the 31st parallel.

The agreement also granted Americans fishing rights off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia and called for British troops to leave American territory.

The Treaty of Paris brought the Revolutionary War to a close, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter. The United States now faced the enormous task of building and governing an independent nation.

Today, we remember the service and sacrifice of those who fought for American independence and the diplomacy that helped establish the United States as a sovereign nation.

On this day in 1783, the United States was officially recognized as an independent nation.

Address

150 Concord Street B-11
Framingham, MA
01702

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 7pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 2pm

Telephone

+15085325515

Website

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